Smartphones: Great for Technology but Harmful to Your Health

Blackberries, Androids, and iPhones: What do these smartphones have in common? They’re the frontrunners of innovative mobile technology in the United States, and the top sellers of their market. They provide on demand news, email, and social media, and virtually the total internet experience on a phone. Which is why so many Americans are moving from analog phones, also known as, “Dumb phones” to smarter ones. Nielson estimates that one in two Americans will have a smartphone by Christmas 2011.

Nixing an older “dumb phone” for a smart one, can be compared to trashing an old television for a flat screen, seems like the progressive move to make…right? Sure, if your looking for better features and more efficiency in a phone. However smartphones aren’t completely god sent, they pose a huge and perhaps one of the most scariest unknown technology risk.

All phones emit a small amount of radiation, however smartphones emit significantly larger amounts. The Environmental Working Group conducted an extensive new study that surveys the scientific research on cellphone heath risks and provides radiation data of the current cellphones in use.

It’s too early in the research process to directly correlate cell phone radiation to harmful health risk. However, the EWG report does point to research that links cell phone radiation to an increase risk of, salivary gland tumors, brain cancer, migraines, vertigo, and decreased male sperm count (it kept in pocket). Sounds scary huh? Well, until further research is conducted and its affects are finalized, it’s hard to concretely say smartphones are bad for your health. However consumer awareness is golden. It’s important for people to know and understand how any technology, food, or environment product effects them.